Hi friends! I want to share something with you :http://www.abort73.com/.
Abort73 is a website committed to teaching about abortion; it's facts, the case against against it, finding help, and bringing an end to it. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of abortion, or just wants to know some information about it, this is the site I would direct you to. It is very thorough and has many resources.
Personally, I have been following it's ministry/site/blog for six years now, and have been reminded time and time again how big of an issue abortion is, but also how big our God is in helping us. There you will find testimonies from people who have had abortions, people who decided not to, and people who are considering having an abortion. I encourage you to check it out regardless of your situation. Share it with your friends, co-workers, etc.
On the site, you will also find a tab for "Abort73 gear." There you will find clothing, resources, bags, etc., please check it out. If you find something you like, grab it. Each shirt/bag/etc. has a short message on it that could be a conversation starter; click on it for the explanation. The proceeds go to funding the ministry, and you could be a walking billboard for the cause. I was just on the website, and to the side it showed Facebook friends who had acknowledged liking the site. I started to click on each person, and realized that I knew some of them. Some were from back home (where my YP had introduced us to Abort73), and some were from where I live now. I have no idea if they found out about Abort73 through me, or how they did, but the fact is that they found out somehow, and I never would have guessed some of them even had the slightest clue about it. That, my friends, is powerful and eye opening. I'll leave you to explore and find out more about the site on your own, but below are a few of my final thoughts:
Who could you share Abort73 with today, both intentionally, and unintentionally?
Who could you share Abort73 with today that may need to hear the message it brings?
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
TGIF
"Sleeping in? What's that?" <- That, is what I often feel like saying.
Every day this week has started bright and early (or.. early at least). The only complaint I have is that I am incredibly tired due not only to the fact that I have had to get up early, but also because I haven't been sleeping well, which is very unusual for me. But between all the meetings, babysitting, work, grocery shopping and answered emails of this busy week, I feel blessed. Blessed because I was able to do these things, spend time with my husband, and still have a social life. I'm still glad it's Friday though.
This weekend will bring it's share of busy-ness also. A candidate to be our Youth Pastor will be joining us in town for a few days full of packed events. The family was here a few weeks ago also. They are wonderful. He and his wife are very personable, understanding, have a love for people and students, and are just good to be around. Pray that God will give our church and this family a clear answer as to whether they are the right fit for this position. They get here sometime today. Tomorrow is a meet & greet at the church, and then Sunday he will be included in the morning service, a youth leaders meeting, and helping run youth group. Parents are also welcome to come, and there will be a Q&A session as well. Busy busy! I'm sure they wouldn't mind if we prayed for them to have energy and strength for the weekend = )
Caleb and I both have a decently busy schedule for the weekend also, so here come a few more early mornings. Even if I have the opportunity to sleep in, I don't think I'd be able to fall back asleep or stay in bed. Because, that's how it goes.
I'm sure I'll be back soon, see you then.
Every day this week has started bright and early (or.. early at least). The only complaint I have is that I am incredibly tired due not only to the fact that I have had to get up early, but also because I haven't been sleeping well, which is very unusual for me. But between all the meetings, babysitting, work, grocery shopping and answered emails of this busy week, I feel blessed. Blessed because I was able to do these things, spend time with my husband, and still have a social life. I'm still glad it's Friday though.
This weekend will bring it's share of busy-ness also. A candidate to be our Youth Pastor will be joining us in town for a few days full of packed events. The family was here a few weeks ago also. They are wonderful. He and his wife are very personable, understanding, have a love for people and students, and are just good to be around. Pray that God will give our church and this family a clear answer as to whether they are the right fit for this position. They get here sometime today. Tomorrow is a meet & greet at the church, and then Sunday he will be included in the morning service, a youth leaders meeting, and helping run youth group. Parents are also welcome to come, and there will be a Q&A session as well. Busy busy! I'm sure they wouldn't mind if we prayed for them to have energy and strength for the weekend = )
Caleb and I both have a decently busy schedule for the weekend also, so here come a few more early mornings. Even if I have the opportunity to sleep in, I don't think I'd be able to fall back asleep or stay in bed. Because, that's how it goes.
I'm sure I'll be back soon, see you then.
True Woman | God Hears (Even When We Don't Want Him To!)
True Woman | God Hears (Even When We Don't Want Him To!)
Please read! This is a powerful message all hearts need to hear!
Please read! This is a powerful message all hearts need to hear!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Hunting
Well, here I am. It's after midnight and sleep has passed me by. I am beyond tired but my mind is racing. So much change and uncertainty is right around the corner for us, I just don't know what to think right now.
The first week of May will be my last week working at one of my jobs, and then depending on if the YP candidate gets called, I may only be working at the church for a little while longer. I knew everything would change in time, and I'm thankful for seasons of change, but sometimes the seasons of uncertainty that go along with them make me so uneasy...
Today pastor started a five week series on peace, and in my opinion, it started out great. The verse that stuck out the most to me was Psalm 29:11, which states; "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace," and while it may not seem that relevant it just seems to linger in the back of my mind. I feel as though God is preparing me for something special that is soon to come; something that I will need to rely on His strength for, and that He'll give me HIS peace.... like, say, this job hunt..
Last night at youth group, the message one of the leaders brought to the students was about when we feel far from God. The focus was on Joseph, and how after being sold into slavery, made head servant, thrown into jail, interpreting dreams, practically ruling a nation, and then blessing the same ones who sold him into slavery,.. his life was like a roller coaster. Just like ours. But through those things, Joseph trusted God. I want to trust God with those huge obstacles in my life. I recently heard the quote; "you can walk a million steps away from God, but when you turn around, He will always be right behind you," and its so true. In Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV), David writes;
"Lord, I believe; only help my disbelief.." Thats how it feels some days. I need a job, my husband needs a job, most of us need a job to survive here on this earth, because that is how society functions. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I know God will take care of our needs, because "..even Solomon in all His splendor was not arrayed as one [of the lilies that God dressed] (Matthew 6:29)." And it is promised that He will care for us even better than the lilies of the field.
So, with His strength, peace, and promise to provide for our needs, I have nothing to worry about. And yet I do worry. We all do. I can't wait until I can kick this sinful, doubtful nature in the behind when I get to glory and tell it to vanish for good. Oh, that will be such a sweet, sweet day!
The first week of May will be my last week working at one of my jobs, and then depending on if the YP candidate gets called, I may only be working at the church for a little while longer. I knew everything would change in time, and I'm thankful for seasons of change, but sometimes the seasons of uncertainty that go along with them make me so uneasy...
Today pastor started a five week series on peace, and in my opinion, it started out great. The verse that stuck out the most to me was Psalm 29:11, which states; "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace," and while it may not seem that relevant it just seems to linger in the back of my mind. I feel as though God is preparing me for something special that is soon to come; something that I will need to rely on His strength for, and that He'll give me HIS peace.... like, say, this job hunt..
Last night at youth group, the message one of the leaders brought to the students was about when we feel far from God. The focus was on Joseph, and how after being sold into slavery, made head servant, thrown into jail, interpreting dreams, practically ruling a nation, and then blessing the same ones who sold him into slavery,.. his life was like a roller coaster. Just like ours. But through those things, Joseph trusted God. I want to trust God with those huge obstacles in my life. I recently heard the quote; "you can walk a million steps away from God, but when you turn around, He will always be right behind you," and its so true. In Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV), David writes;
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?We can't get away. He is always there. Right there, right with us. Even when we make huge mistakes, or have terrible things happen to us, He is there. He can make those huge mistakes and terrible things into great things, though. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph spoke to his brothers, saying; "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..(NIV)" God is in control; He can take terrible, and make it good, and He does. I know He's right here with us in the process of job hunting, and I know His will is going to be done. But, sometimes don't you just wish that you knew what was going to happen to save some energy, stress, and aggravation? I do. And then He speaks just barely loud enough for me to hear Him telling me that if I would just trust Him, I wouldn't have to expend that extra energy, stress, or get aggravated... but, I do.
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
"Lord, I believe; only help my disbelief.." Thats how it feels some days. I need a job, my husband needs a job, most of us need a job to survive here on this earth, because that is how society functions. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I know God will take care of our needs, because "..even Solomon in all His splendor was not arrayed as one [of the lilies that God dressed] (Matthew 6:29)." And it is promised that He will care for us even better than the lilies of the field.
So, with His strength, peace, and promise to provide for our needs, I have nothing to worry about. And yet I do worry. We all do. I can't wait until I can kick this sinful, doubtful nature in the behind when I get to glory and tell it to vanish for good. Oh, that will be such a sweet, sweet day!
Friday, April 13, 2012
A Proverbs 31 Woman
I want to be a Proverbs 31 woman <3
10 Who[b] can find a virtuous[c] wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
(NKJV)
Footnotes:
a.Proverbs 31:8 Literally sons of passing away
b.Proverbs 31:10 Verses 10 through 31 are an alphabetic acrostic in Hebrew (compare Psalm 119).
c.Proverbs 31:10 Literally a wife of valor, in the sense of all forms of excellence
10 Who[b] can find a virtuous[c] wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
(NKJV)
Footnotes:
a.Proverbs 31:8 Literally sons of passing away
b.Proverbs 31:10 Verses 10 through 31 are an alphabetic acrostic in Hebrew (compare Psalm 119).
c.Proverbs 31:10 Literally a wife of valor, in the sense of all forms of excellence
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Home Home
This morning as I drove to work I realized I was going to be super early, so I decided to drive through the beach to delay myself a bit. It was a gorgeous morning, with blue skies, sunshine, and a few clouds. As I drove by the lakefront, I rolled down the windows in my car. I could feel the cold breeze on my face, hear the waves crashing on the beach, and see the white caps the wind caused on the lake. It was all incredibly refreshing, and very peaceful. It made me thankful to live in such a beautiful place, and I thanked God for giving me more than I could have ever dreamed. I also felt guilt. Guilt for moving myself to the other side of the state and away from family that I would love to be able to see every day. I miss what I call "home, home," my hometown. We were there last weekend. First was a funeral for a very wonderful woman who will be missed, and then the rest of the weekend was spent visiting family and seeing friends. It was so good to be able to get back again, but the town tugged on my heart harder that it usually does when we visit. I miss it dearly. I knew I would miss it when I moved, and I thought to myself that I would visit often. Well, things in life delay those visits that should be often, and I hate that I'm not able to get back as much as I'd like. I miss my family most of all, the town, the people, ...everything I knew and was familiar with for eighteen years. I've been told "welcome to being an adult." Haha.. that's not half of it, and that's not a good enough explanation for me.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Quote.
Hello again!
I was just scrolling down my news feed on the wonderful world of Facebook and I found this quote:
Anyway, that was my little blurb. Have a good day :)
I was just scrolling down my news feed on the wonderful world of Facebook and I found this quote:
Wow. How many of us can say that this quote truly describes our life? Probably not very many of us. I know it doesn't always describe mine. I would like it to, but there's definitely a lot of room for imporovement."Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts"
Anyway, that was my little blurb. Have a good day :)
3 Mile Project and WinterJam 2012
Wow, am I ever tired today... you'd think it was a Monday the way my brain doesn't want to start up and get going. I finally gave in a bought some coffee a few minutes ago, and even with five packets of sugar it tastes bitter. It never tastes like that at home.. haha.
Anyway, if you've read previous posts you're probably wondering how my weekend went. It went great. The two days we took our students to the 3 Mile Project went well, and then my sister and I were lucky enough to get in the doors at the concert we waited in line for. The concert was definitely the highlight of the weekend. The bands that were there were: Skillet, Newsong, Peter Furler, Sanctus Real, Kari Jobe, Building 429, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean, For King and Country, and We As Human. The speaker was Nick Hall and master illusionist Brock Gill was there. It was an awesome concert and we were super lucky to get in the doors! I recorded a lot of song clips from the different bands, but of course my camera died during Skillet's first song. That was ok though, I've already seen them, and my sister used her camera to take video. Between the two of us, we had it covered. All the bands put on a great show, and we ended up with some pretty good seats to enjoy the night.
Here's a little story for you: We had just walked in and were navigating through people to see all the tables. We heard an unfamiliar band playing during the pre-show, so we walked into the arena to look. Well, three feet from me, leaning against the wall just watching the other band, was one of Sanctus Real's guitarists. Just chilling before the show. I got to meet the band and get my picture with them in high school, but my sister had never seen them. So I motioned to her, asked him, and got her picture with him! It was neat to walk in and within ten minutes get a picture, and crazy that that is the only picture one of us got with a band. We did get Building 429 to sign some papers, but it was too busy after the concert to do much else.
Overall, it was a great concert. This computer doesn't have a card reader, so I can't post pictures yet. They'll be up soon though!
Anyway, if you've read previous posts you're probably wondering how my weekend went. It went great. The two days we took our students to the 3 Mile Project went well, and then my sister and I were lucky enough to get in the doors at the concert we waited in line for. The concert was definitely the highlight of the weekend. The bands that were there were: Skillet, Newsong, Peter Furler, Sanctus Real, Kari Jobe, Building 429, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean, For King and Country, and We As Human. The speaker was Nick Hall and master illusionist Brock Gill was there. It was an awesome concert and we were super lucky to get in the doors! I recorded a lot of song clips from the different bands, but of course my camera died during Skillet's first song. That was ok though, I've already seen them, and my sister used her camera to take video. Between the two of us, we had it covered. All the bands put on a great show, and we ended up with some pretty good seats to enjoy the night.
Here's a little story for you: We had just walked in and were navigating through people to see all the tables. We heard an unfamiliar band playing during the pre-show, so we walked into the arena to look. Well, three feet from me, leaning against the wall just watching the other band, was one of Sanctus Real's guitarists. Just chilling before the show. I got to meet the band and get my picture with them in high school, but my sister had never seen them. So I motioned to her, asked him, and got her picture with him! It was neat to walk in and within ten minutes get a picture, and crazy that that is the only picture one of us got with a band. We did get Building 429 to sign some papers, but it was too busy after the concert to do much else.
Overall, it was a great concert. This computer doesn't have a card reader, so I can't post pictures yet. They'll be up soon though!
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